ABOUT

After graduating in 2000 with a degree in visual arts from the State University of New York at New Paltz, Thomas entered the Hudson Valley art scene. His most well-publicized shows have taken place during the last few years. "Village People", a benefit event for the Starr Library's capital improvement project held in 2005, included portraits of Rhinebeck locals. The collection captured the spontaneity of his painting style while providing a modern alternative to the traditional portrait. Given the widespread popularity of the pieces, Thomas modeled another show after it, entitled "Infamous Mugs". "Infamous Mugs" was unveiled in March, 2006 and featured colorful depictions of celebrity mug shots on canvas. Not only were the vibrant paintings of these famous faces in very intimate moments incredibly interesting, but the poignancy of the work in a celebrity-obsessed era was an example of Tom's willingness to use his art to make a larger social statement.

Nowhere were his philosophies more evident through his art, however, than in his November, 2006 "God and War" exhibition. Living in a country so divided by politics and religion, Tom, along with artist Ralph Neaderland, put together a collection of works that symbolized the very historically significant and ongoing relationship between religion and war. Tom's pieces, rich with classical tones but infused with contemporary appeal, were deeply moving and powerful.

The work exemplified his Great Masters-inspired style. And with broad brush strokes blended with acute attention to detail, his individuality and progressive approach to art became strikingly clear.

Tom's work has been shown at a variety of smaller venues as well in the mid-Hudson Valley region of New York State. He has also worked as an illustrator for The Chronogram magazine in addition to his work as a professional graphic designer, (with past ownership of Fine Print Graphic Design) frequently offering many of his services in-kind to area not-for-profits. In addition, he has participated in the Children's Community Trust of Rhinebeck birdhouse auction as well as the Starr Library Art Show and Sale. His work has been included in the magazine "Faux Effects World" and a number of regional publications have reported on his successful exhibits.

He is currently working on a show that will open in the spring of 2008. His pieces will include ten portraits of children with autism spectrum disorders and will be used to raise funds for The Children's Annex in Kingston, New York. In addition to raising money for The Children's Annex, he hopes that the work will raise awareness about the disorder.

He is currently accepting commissioned work and can be reached by calling 845.242.0956.